7 Best Free Adventure Games for iPhone and iPad

Adventure games are the closest thing to a holiday you can fit in your pocket. A good one drops you into a new world, hands you a goal and lets you explore at your own pace, whether that means gliding across a desert, running through a temple or sailing a whole fantasy continent. The App Store is full of them, and the best part is that many of the finest adventure games on iPhone and iPad cost nothing to download. Every game below is free to install from the App Store with optional in-app purchases, and each one links to its official store listing so you can check its current version, size and reviews before you install it.

A man and a woman walking on brown sand

Photo by MART PRODUCTION from Pexels. This is a free stock illustration and does not show any of the games in this list.

1. Genshin Impact

Genshin Impact, developed by HoYoverse, is the biggest free adventure game on iOS and it is easy to see why. The open world of Teyvat is huge, colourful and packed with towns, ruins, puzzles and boss fights, and the elemental combat system rewards mixing characters with different abilities. The main story is long and regularly updated with new regions and events, so there is always something to come back to. It is free to download with in-app purchases, and because it is an online game, you will need a steady internet connection to play. Download Genshin Impact on the App Store

2. Sky: Children of the Light

Sky: Children of the Light, from thatgamecompany, is a gentle, wordless adventure about flying through beautiful realms, lighting candles and helping other players along the way. There is no fighting and no way to lose; instead the game rewards kindness, exploration and the quiet satisfaction of unravelling a mysterious world together with strangers who may become friends. It runs beautifully on iPad and is one of the most relaxing games on the store. It is free to download with in-app purchases and needs an internet connection. Download Sky: Children of the Light on the App Store

3. Alto's Odyssey

Alto's Odyssey, developed by Snowman, is a one-touch adventure across dunes, canyons and temples. You snowboard through a procedurally generated desert, chaining jumps, grinding rails and collecting coins while the sun sets behind you. It is simple to learn and hard to put down, and the gentle soundtrack makes every run feel like a short escape. Best of all, Alto's Odyssey works completely offline, so it is ideal for flights and long journeys. It is free to download with optional in-app purchases. Download Alto's Odyssey on the App Store

4. Subway Surfers

Subway Surfers, from SYBO Games, is the endless runner that turned a morning commute into an adventure. You play as Jake and friends, sprinting through train yards, dodging barriers, collecting coins and unlocking hoverboards and new characters. It has been updated for more than a decade with new cities to explore, seasonal events and daily challenges, so it never feels stale. Subway Surfers can be played offline, which makes it perfect for a plane or a train with no signal. It is free to download with in-app purchases. Download Subway Surfers on the App Store

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5. Temple Run 2

Temple Run 2, from Imangi Studios, is the game that started the endless runner craze. You steal a cursed idol, then sprint, jump, slide and swing through jungle ruins while a huge beast chases you down. The maps have grown since the original, with mine carts, zip lines and flowing water to mix up the run, and daily challenges keep you coming back. Temple Run 2 can be played offline after downloading, and it is free to download with in-app purchases. Download Temple Run 2 on the App Store

6. Crossy Road

Crossy Road, developed by HIPSTER WHALE, answers a simple question: why did the chicken cross the road? This charming little adventure asks you to hop across roads, rivers and train tracks, collecting coins and unlocking more than 150 blocky characters, from a penguin to a lucky cat. The controls are just taps, but the timing gets tense fast. Crossy Road can be played offline, and it is free to download with in-app purchases. Download Crossy Road on the App Store

7. Sonic Dash

Sonic Dash, from SEGA, lets you play as Sonic, Tails, Knuckles and other heroes racing through Green Hill-inspired courses at top speed. You dash, jump and spin through rings, dodge obstacles and take on boss battles against Dr. Eggman in a game that feels like a modern take on the classic Sonic formula. It is a snappy, colourful adventure that is easy to pick up in short sessions. Sonic Dash can be played offline, and it is free to download with in-app purchases. Download Sonic Dash on the App Store

If you want a deep adventure, start with Genshin Impact for a huge open world or Sky: Children of the Light for something calm and beautiful. If you want an adventure that travels well, Alto's Odyssey, Subway Surfers, Temple Run 2, Crossy Road and Sonic Dash all work offline, so your game will still be there when the Wi-Fi is not.

Source: Apple App Store — official listings for Genshin Impact, Sky: Children of the Light, Alto's Odyssey, Subway Surfers, Temple Run 2, Crossy Road and Sonic Dash https://apps.apple.com/